The Ebbitt Room, nestled within the historic Virginia Hotel in Cape May, has earned the distinguished honor of being New Jersey’s sole representative on America’s prestigious Top 100 Hotel Restaurants list. This exclusive recognition solidifies its position as a must-visit destination for discerning diners seeking exceptional New Jersey Dining experiences.
The meticulously compiled “America’s Top 100 List” is the culmination of extensive data analysis, reflecting the preferences and experiences of over 1,500 American consumers who have dined at hotel restaurants within the past five years. Further enhancing its credibility, the rankings integrate comprehensive flight and hotel search data from Kayak, alongside invaluable restaurant insights provided by the popular online reservation service, OpenTable, ensuring a holistic evaluation.
The Virginia Hotel itself boasts a captivating history, originally known as the Ebbitt House, it was one of the first establishments courageously rebuilt on Jackson Street following the devastating Great Fire of 1878 that swept through 35 acres of Cape May. Its journey through time saw it transform from a rooming house to a school dormitory, and even facing condemnation in the 1980s, before its rescue by owner Curtis Bashaw and his family in 1986, as recalled by Patrick DeLaney, the Ebbitt Room’s restaurant manager.
The success of the Virginia Hotel played a pivotal role in the creation of Cape Resorts, a celebrated collection of properties that now includes the iconic Congress Hall, the serene Sandpiper Beach Club, the charming Star Inn, the vibrant Beach Shack, and the expansive 62-acre Beach Plum Farm in West Cape May. This farm serves as a vital source of fresh, local ingredients, enriching the culinary offerings across all Cape Resorts establishments.
Diners at the Ebbitt Room are treated to an exquisite menu, showcasing the finest Hotel Cuisine with main course favorites that include perfectly prepared trout, tender rack of lamb, succulent scallops, classic New York Strip, and flavorful roasted chicken. A standout accompaniment not to be missed is their renowned Mexican street corn, solidifying its reputation among the top Cape May Restaurants and contributing to its status as an Award-Winning Hotel dining experience.
Beyond the Ebbitt Room, New Jersey is home to a tapestry of historical and culinary landmarks, enriching its status as a vibrant Culinary Destination. The Colonial Hotel, established in 1894 and now known as the Inn of Cape May, and the Shoreham Hotel, which transitioned into the Cape May Point Science Center, offer glimpses into the region’s past. Furthermore, the state boasts a unique connection to the late, great Anthony Bourdain, with establishments like Lucille’s featured on CNN’s Parts Unknown, forming part of the esteemed Anthony Bourdain Food Trail of NJ.
The state’s diverse food scene extends to iconic local treasures such as Donkey’s Place, famous for its distinct New Jersey Cheesesteak served on a poppyseed kaiser roll, a delightful contrast to its Philly cousin. Atlantic City also proudly hosts Dock’s Oyster House, a venerable institution since 1897, and the historic Knife & Fork Inn, both of which have maintained their timeless charm while adapting to modern tastes. As Bourdain himself once remarked at the Knife & Fork Inn, “A beautiful old restaurant with really good food is much more interesting than a glass box with good food,” a sentiment that perfectly encapsulates the enduring appeal of these Garden State culinary gems.
